Software Engineer Salary in San Francisco (2026)
In 2026, Software Engineers in San Francisco earn an average annual salary of $171,061, with compensation ranging from $116,240 to $251,737, reflecting the city's competitive tech industry.
Key Facts
- Average Software Engineer salary in San Francisco is $171,061 per year.
- Salary ranges from $116,240 to $251,737 annually.
- Cost of living is 89% higher than the national average.
- Top employers include Google, SoFi, and Glassdoor.
- In-demand skills include Java, Python, and Machine Learning.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-Level (0-2 years): Approximately $56,800 per year.
- Early Career (2-5 years): Around $80,600 annually.
- Mid-Level (5-10 years): About $106,000 per year.
- Senior Level (10-15 years): Approximately $130,000 annually.
- Lead Level (15+ years): Up to $152,000 per year.
How San Francisco Compares
San Francisco's average Software Engineer salary of $171,061 is significantly higher than the national average, reflecting the city's high demand for tech talent. However, the cost of living is 89% above the national average, making it one of the most expensive cities in the U.S.
Skills That Command Premium
Proficiency in languages like Java, Python, and JavaScript, as well as expertise in Cloud Computing and Machine Learning, can lead to higher salaries in San Francisco's tech market.
Work Culture & Benefits
Top tech companies in San Francisco offer competitive benefits, including stock options, flexible work schedules, and comprehensive health plans, fostering a dynamic and innovative work environment.
Top Hiring Companies
Career Advice
To maximize earning potential in San Francisco, focus on developing expertise in high-demand technologies and consider opportunities at leading tech firms known for competitive compensation packages.
Software Engineer Insights — San Francisco
Software Engineer salaries in San Francisco range from $116,240 to $251,737, a 79% spread that reflects significant variation based on experience level, specialization, and company size. The median of $171,061 sits below the midpoint, suggesting more positions cluster toward the entry-to-mid-level end of the range.
San Francisco's cost of living index of 89/100 makes it one of the more expensive locations for tech professionals. While the $171,061 median is competitive, housing and daily expenses consume a larger share of income compared to lower-cost cities.
The hiring landscape for software engineer in San Francisco is anchored by employers like Google, SoFi, and Glassdoor, along with 2 other notable employers. Larger employers in this market typically offer compensation at the upper end of the range, often supplemented with equity, signing bonuses, and comprehensive benefits.
Demand for software engineer in San Francisco centers around expertise in Java, Python, JavaScript, plus 2 other core competencies. Candidates with strong proficiency across these areas tend to command offers closer to the $251,737 ceiling, and have natural transition paths into roles like Software Developer or Front End Developer.
Related Roles in San Francisco
Explore salary information for similar positions and compare compensation across different roles.
| Role | Location | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|---|
| Security Engineer | San Francisco | $111,803 - $312,614 | $186,953 |
| Full Stack Developer | San Francisco | $122,405 - $206,683 | $158,000 |
| UX Designer | San Francisco | $101,000 - $168,000 | $114,579 |
| Android Developer | San Francisco | $114,137 - $272,013 | $176,201 |
| Data Engineer | San Francisco | $107,180 - $300,000 | $171,054 |
Software Engineer Salaries by City
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a Software Engineer in San Francisco?
The average annual salary is $171,061, with a range from $116,240 to $251,737.
How does the cost of living in San Francisco affect Software Engineer salaries?
While salaries are higher than the national average, the cost of living is 89% above the national average, impacting overall purchasing power.
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